Introductory description

This module aims to introduce apprentices to a wide range of practical, laboratory and transferable skills they will need in their everyday practice. The module will focus on three main areas:

1. Analytical science laboratory skills
2. Employer specific practical skills
3. Transferable skills with focus on science communication

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module will focus on three main areas:

1. Analytical science laboratory skills
   Topics covered might include: applications of qualitative/quantitative analyses; sampling and how to deal with heterogeneous samples; measurement of mass and volume; volumetric and gravimetric methods; optical spectroscopies; vibrational spectroscopies; elemental analysis; instrumental methods such as mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy; data analysis and interpretation.

2. Employer specific practical skills
   Tailored training in the workplace, allowing apprentices to operate safely in their employer's environment.

3. Transferable skills with focus on science communication.
   This course aims to help you to communicate your research accurately and concisely to a range of audiences. The main focus is on how to communicate using different media, including print, radio and TV, to a wide variety of audiences, including non-scientists, clients, management and other stakeholders.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• use a variety of methods and techniques to characterise a wide range of samples
• work safely in a laboratory environment and complete individual risk assessments for a diverse range of experiments (where applicable)
• plan experiments and carry out appropriate analyses
• write high-quality reports, including an appraisal of the literature, experimental methods, results, discussion and conclusions
• understand the varying needs of different types of non-specialist audiences
• communicate their work to non-specialists in an engaging, accurate, and appropriate manner
• work safely in the workplace and complete individual risk assessments for a diverse range of activities (where applicable)

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary Analytical Science

Subject specific skills

Discriminate between various analytical techniques, understanding the advantages, disadvantages and current applications of each.
Plan experiments and carry out appropriate analyses.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and interpret data from a variety of measurements.
Display practical consideration for sources and treatment of experimental error.
Follow good and safe practice in the laboratory and the workplace.
Complete individual risk assessments for a diverse range of activities.
Communicating complex scientific concepts across disciplines.
Working with different media to create engaging scientific documents and presentations

Transferable skills

Critical thinking, Problem solving, Communication, Teamwork and working effectively with others, Information literacy (research skills), Digital literacy, Professionalism